Philippines (PH)

The Philippines is a Southeast Asian archipelago of 7,641 islands, the third-largest English-speaking country in the world, and one of the most welcoming destinations for expats.

Capital: Manila

Region: Asia

Language: Filipino

Currency: PHP (₱)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 30)

Emergency: 911

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Philippines.

Visa-Free Access

Citizens of 157 countries can enter the Philippines visa-free for 30 days (extendable). This includes all EU/Schengen countries, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and most Western nations. ASEAN nationals receive automatic 30-day visa-free entry. Citizens of China, India, and several others require a visa in advance from a Philippine embassy. Check the Bureau of Immigration (bi.gov.ph) for the current visa-free list.

All foreigners staying more than 59 days must obtain an ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card) — a biometric card issued by the Bureau of Immigration. Cost: ₱2,000. Annual report required every January (₱310 + ₱310 immigration certificate). Bureau of Immigration (BI) at Intramuros, Manila is the main office; satellite offices in major cities and international airports. BI eXpats portal (portal.bi.gov.ph) for online visa extensions and applications. Overstaying is a serious offence — fines start at ₱500/month after grace period and can result in detention and deportation for extreme cases.

Temporary Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa)

Visa 9(a)

₱3,030 per 2-month extension (approximate). Extension fees increase for longer stays.

Duration: Initial 30 days (visa-free) or 59 days (with visa). Extendable in increments up to 36 months total stay.

Eligibility

All nationalities with no other visa category applicable. For tourism, family visits, or remote work for foreign employers.

Processing time

1–3 business days for extensions at BI offices or online (e-Services portal)

Requirements

✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
✓Return/onward ticket
✓Proof of funds
✓Completed application form

💡 The most common long-term stay option for retirees and digital nomads. After 6 months of stay, annual ACR I-Card required. Extensions processed at Bureau of Immigration (BI) offices — avoid third-party fixers. The BI eXpats portal (portal.bi.gov.ph) enables online extensions.

Special Resident Retiree's Visa

SRRV

$1,400 application fee + $360 annual membership. Plus required bank deposit (see requirements).

Duration: Indefinite / permanent residency. Multiple-entry privilege.

Eligibility

Retirees of any nationality. Managed by Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). Restructured by PRA reform effective 1 September 2025 — the Smile and Human Touch sub-categories were discontinued, leaving Classic and Courtesy categories with age-banded deposit tiers.

Processing time

2–4 weeks

Requirements

✓Valid passport
✓Medical certificate (PRA-accredited hospital)
✓NBI/Police Clearance (apostilled)
✓Bank deposit (SRRV Classic, post-Sept-2025 structure): $15,000 (pensioner, age 50+) / $30,000 (non-pensioner, age 50+) / $25,000 (pensioner, age 40–49) / $50,000 (non-pensioner, age 40–49); qualifying pension still $800+/month. SRRV Courtesy: $1,500–$6,000 for qualifying categories (e.g. former Filipino citizens, diplomats).
✓Photos and application forms

💡 PRA deposit earns interest (currently ~1% pa). Deposit can be used to purchase condo, invest in long-term lease of land, or pay for medical/education. SRRV holders exempted from travel tax on Philippines exits and AEP requirement (for employment in their own business). Cannot own land but can own condo. The Smile and Human Touch sub-categories no longer exist for new applicants since the September 2025 PRA reform — verify current tiers at pra.gov.ph.

Non-Quota Immigrant Visa (Spouse of Filipino)

Visa 13(a)

₱8,620 (probationary) + ₱2,440 annual report

Duration: 1-year probationary, then permanent (indefinite).

Eligibility

Foreign national married to a Filipino citizen.

Processing time

3–6 months for initial processing

Requirements

✓Certified copy of Philippine Marriage Certificate (PSA authenticated)
✓Birth Certificate of Filipino spouse
✓Valid passport
✓NBI/Police Clearance (apostilled)
✓Medical certificate
✓Joint photos
✓Proof of financial capacity

💡 After 1 year of probationary 13(a), upgrade to permanent 13(a) — no expiration. Annual report required every January at BI. Exempted from AEP (can work freely in Philippines). Eligible to own a condo. Cannot own land (foreigners cannot own land regardless of visa).

Alien Employment Permit Holder Visa

Visa 9(g)

₱9,000 AEP application + BI visa fees

Duration: 1–3 years (matching AEP validity)

Eligibility

Foreign nationals employed in the Philippines with a valid Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE.

Processing time

3–5 weeks (AEP + BI conversion)

Requirements

✓Valid employment contract
✓AEP approval from DOLE
✓Passport
✓NBI clearance
✓Medical certificate

💡 Required for foreigners working for Philippine employers. AEP certifies that no qualified Filipino available for the position. Employer applies for AEP. AEP exemptions: SRRV holders, 13(a) visa holders, shareholders/board members of Philippine companies, treaty traders.

Special Non-Immigrant Visa (PEZA/BOI Executives)

Visa 47(a)(2)

Variable per BI fee schedule

Duration: Matching employment contract (typically 1–3 years, renewable)

Eligibility

Executives, managers, and specialists employed by PEZA or BOI-registered companies.

Processing time

2–4 weeks

Requirements

✓Employment contract with PEZA/BOI entity
✓Passport
✓Medical certificate
✓PEZA/BOI endorsement letter

💡 Does not require an AEP — the PEZA/BOI endorsement replaces it. Very desirable for MNC employees. Dependents can be included. Expedited processing available.

Digital Nomad Visa Framework (Executive Order No. 86)

Digital Nomad

EO 86 Digital Nomad Visa

₱3,000–₱5,000 per 2-month extension (Tourist Visa 9(a) route); EO 86 fee schedule set by implementing agency — verify at bi.gov.ph.

Duration: Per EO 86 framework terms; the Tourist Visa 9(a) route (up to 36 months total via extensions) remains available as an alternative.

Eligibility

President Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 86 on 24 April 2025 establishing a digital nomad visa framework, with a pilot operational from June 2025, for remote workers employed by or contracted to non-Philippine employers/clients. Prior to EO 86, remote workers commonly used the extendable Tourist Visa 9(a) as a legal grey-area workaround.

Processing time

1–3 business days per extension (Tourist Visa 9(a) route)

Requirements

✓Valid passport
✓Proof of foreign employment/clients
✓Proof of funds
✓Return ticket

💡 EO 86 (signed 24 April 2025, officialgazette.gov.ph) formally established a digital nomad visa framework, moving the Philippines beyond the pre-2025 grey-area tourist-visa workaround. Implementation details and full rollout status should be verified at bi.gov.ph before relying on this route. SRRV remains the best long-term option for those not working for Philippine employers.

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